Answer
Wa `alaykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
What to Do When You Struggle with Hijab:
- Understand hijab’s importance through the Qur’an
- Follow modest dress if physical harm is feared
- Build internal conviction in your faith
- Seek strength through prayer and du’a
- Surround yourself with supportive environments
In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Hijab Becomes Obligatory at Puberty
A Muslim woman has to wear hijab as soon as she reaches puberty, as indicated in the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the consensus of Muslim scholars from early ages of Islam up till now.
The Quranic Command for Hijab
Allah Almighty says:
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” (Al-Ahzab 33:59)
In another verse, we read:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms.” (An-Nur 24:31)
A Hadith on the Hijab Requirement After Puberty
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Asma’, daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them): “O Asma’! Once a girl reaches puberty, nothing of her body may be seen (by non-mahrams) except this and these, (he pointed to his face and hands while saying so).” (Narrated as weak ‘da`if’ by Abu Dawud)
If You Fear Harm, Focus on Modesty First
With regard to your specific case, if you fear harm from those around you, then you may simply wear modest attire. If, however, you don’t fear any physical harm, you should summon the courage to stand for what you believe to be right. Islamic rules of modest attire in Islam include covering the entire body except the face and hands.
Build Conviction and Seek Allah’s Help
You should convince yourself of the importance of observing the rules of your religion and then ask Allah Almighty to help you overcome the inhibitions and remove your anxieties.
For a complete understanding, refer to the fatwas below:
- Hijab Requirements in Islam
- Does Hijab Infringe upon Women’s Liberty?
- Hijab: Only for Women?
- Can a Husband Tell His Wife to Wear Hijab?
- Hijab: Cultural or Religious?
- Can Hijab Be Removed Due to Safety Concerns?
- Is Taking off Hijab for Medical Reasons Justified?
- Taking off Hijab to Keep Marriage: Allowed? I Love Hijab, My Dad Forbids It: How to Handle?
Allah Almighty knows best.